Palestinian Christians gather for the Holy Fire ceremony in occupied West Bank

Palestinian Christians Turned Away: Israeli Police Ban, Detain Worshippers

Al Jazeera English

(April 19, 2025) — Israeli police banned some Palestinian Christians from entering occupied East Jerusalem to participate in services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. They erected dozens of security barriers at the perimeter and gates of the Old City. They also detained a number of Palestinian Christians at a checkpoint.

Xavier Abou Eid, political analyst and former PLO advisor, joins Al Jazeera live from occupied East Jerusalem.